Author name: Sohail Agha

Our 10 favorite moments in the House Beautiful Whole Home 2023 Thirteen design teams make their mark on a classic property in the Chicago suburbs. The Home Magzine. is honored to serve as the exclusive lighting sponsor of the sixth annual House Beautiful Whole Home, which reimagines a 13,000 square foot David Adler estate in Hinsdale, Illinois through the lens of 13 woman-led design teams from every corner of the country. The home’s age (it dates to 1906!) meant that this year’s Whole Home designers encountered a number of historic preservation constraints … and, we’re happy to report, their rooms are all the better for it. Read on for tips, tricks and tons of inspiration from the House Beautiful Whole Home 2023 crew. The Entry Calling all renovators – sometimes it pays to work with what you’ve got! Inspired by the home’s original wallcovering, Whole Home entryway designer Arianne Bellizaire left it intact, turning her attention to a comfortably unassuming floor plan and a winning combination of blues on trim and millwork. And don’t forget to look up! With limited natural light sources and only one overhead fixture Beckett Chandelier, Bellizaire bounced light by using a reflective vinyl wallpaper on every designer’s favorite fifth surface: the ceiling. The Conservatory Design team Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy made the very most of add-on conservatory with natural light and charm to spare but a lack of modern conveniences (electrical hardwiring, anyone?). In the end, the room’s drawbacks were no match for Costa and Renee’s design ingenuity. Case in point: the duo converted an immovable structural column into a high-top bar and centered an intimate seating nook under a Benit Medium Sculpted Chandelier. In the room’s biggest coup, the brass Gale Library Wall Light studding the walls are a sleight of hand, fitted with remote-controlled battery-operated bulbs. The Party Pad As a pool-adjacent rec room, this party pad knows how to have a good time! Designer Emma Beryl leaned into the tile floors and low ceilings, aiming for fuss-free utility at every turn but ramping up the fun with color, pattern and elliptical shapes. As always, the magic is in the mix – Deco-inspired Lorelei Large Waterfall Sconces play nicely off of natural forms at the zellige-backed bar, where a Troye Medium Table Lamp holds court with all the entertaining essentials. The Studio Apartment With soaring windows and arched doors framing killer garden views, the studio apartment had loads of potential – and Jenna Gross of Colordrunk Designs used punchy color and an abundance of print to give the space its moment in the sun. In the kitchen (seen here through orchid-pink metal trelliswork that separates the apartment into living, sleeping and cooking zones), a pair of Mollino Tiered Sconces crown a vintage Dwyer all-in-one cooking unit, while Dorchester Double Backplate Swing Arm Lights and Andreas Medium Table Lamps provide a sculptural foil to a quiet riot of softly saturated pattern in the cocooning canopy bed. The Sunroom Taking indoor-outdoor living to the next level, Claire Staszak of Centered by Design dreamed up a bohemian rhapsody of layered color and pattern in the European-inspired sunroom. Staszak elevated existing elements (trelliswork, reimagined in a sunny yellow, and a stone fountain, which now serves as a drinks cooler) with hand painted floral detailing and a delightful mix of textiles … and in a crowning flourish, she added a pair of timeless strie glass Rosehill Large Chandeliers. The Owner’s Suite Deeply comfortable and delightfully off-kilter, Isabel Ladd’s mega-maximalist primary bedroom explores decorating dichotomies – flora and fauna, stripes and checks, rattan and silk velvet – to great effect. Working russet tones into a backdrop of greens, alternates soft silhouettes with sculptural forms, most notably in a striking pair of Nan Table Lamps bedside. Putting the sweet in owner’s suite, these little extras deliver in a big way! Continuing to riff on a sunset-hued theme, designer Isabel Ladd chose the Veneto Medium Table Lamp to illuminate the all-important beverage station, while the Beckham Modern Medium Chandelier sets the mood in a well-traveled seating area perfect for work or play. The Guest Bedroom Going all in with a reissued chintz from Lee Jofa, Society Social’s Roxy Owens swathed the guest bedroom’s walls, window treatments and bed hangings in the dreamy print. Camille Sconces over the dressing table and Chambers Medium Table Lamps on nightstands are finished with scalloped and pleated details, but Owens cuts the sweetness with custom rattan shades on our Evans Swing Arm Sconces peeking out from the half-tester bed. Elsewhere, the designer employs painterly floral and chevron patterns for a balance that’s, well, pretty perfect. The Library A study in mossy brown, Kate Marker’s lush library provides endless opportunities to settle in and stay for a while. Back-to-back toffee velvet sofas sprawled under a pair of Mollino Medium Tiered Chandeliers define the room’s many moods, while smart suiting fabrics and Turlington Medium Table Lamps introduce a graphic element. The Nursery Whole Home builder Julie Laux of J. Jordan Homes took on the nursery, leaning into rosy tones and soft florals at every turn. A Leighton Flush Mount and Leighton Sconce are powder-pink perfection in the crib area, while a white Simon Sconce introduces a modern form into a vintage-inspired adjacent bath. The Salon A worldly ladies lounge awash in a spice-tinged palette, the salon by Hema Persad of Sagrada Studios is a place to read, write, and engage in spirited discussion. Original antique mirrored wall panels are energized by new Moroccan-inspired grilles diffusing natural light, while an Orbel Round Pendant makes a striking statement overhead.. Shop the lighting designs that brought this home to life. SHOP NOW

9 Luminous Living Room Ideas for Every Lifestyle From layered and cozy to airy and calm to bringing the outdoors in, these designer-approved spaces provide the perfect place to relax, refresh, and unwind. These days, the living room has a lot of responsibilities — it’s the hub of family life, a place to rest and recharge, a space for entertaining and connection. Whether you’re settling into a new address or contemplating a major makeover, you’ll love these tips on how to refresh the heart of your home. First things first: start by surveying the scene. A lovely view, classic architectural details or unusual proportions are the sort of focal points that make a living room memorable. Once you have a solid sense of what you’re working with, begin building out the basics: comfortable seating, a cozy rug underfoot and a spot to set your drink. As you work out the floor plan, consider rhythm and flow, drawing inspiration from the ways you envision the room being used, both day-to-day and for special occasions. Next, add personality with art and textiles that help to tell the room’s story and establish its context within the home. And of course, no living room is complete without a perfectly layered lighting scheme to elevate the interior furnishings, bridge the gap between form and function, set the mood and delight the eye. From traditional chandeliers and outdoor-inspired lanterns to sleek Art Deco pendants and pairs of stately floor lamps, the boundless possibilities of the living room make it a perfect place to play. Here, we’re sharing our nine favorite designer-approved living spaces – read on to see how these masterful rooms use The Home Magzine. lighting to enhance the look. Read The Room Often, the architectural features of a space dictate what goes where … and why. In this serene living room designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors, deep window bays and a striking fireplace direct a traditional floorplan, while the clean and classic lines of the Rigby Grande Chandelier continue the point of view. Act Natural When proportions skew grand, walk it back to a more approachable place by layering natural tones and textures. In this living room designed by Erin Fetherston, soaring ceilings are tempered by linen window treatments, rattan swivel chairs, a wooden coffee table, and layered Moroccan wool and seagrass rugs, while a French-inspired mirror and our Mill Large Globe Lantern keep the whole room on its axis. Don’t Forget to Look Up When proportions allow, playing with scale can spark major joy. In this living room designed by Zoe Feldman, stripes lend a tented look to a vaulted ceiling – the perfect topper for a fun mix of rattan, upholstery, and antiques below. A marble coffee table and fluted mantel offer a dash of modernity, and our Elsinore Medium Hanging Lantern nods to the window trim and verdant views. Make a Singular Statement Sure, there’s great poetry in symmetry, but sometimes a room tells a story all on its own. In this contemporary living space designed by Phillip Thomas Inc, an abstract rug meets a moody marble fireplace, a generous chair is pared back by a leggy side table and a single Beaumont Medium Tail Sconce picks up on burnt orange accents in the art and pillows. Bring the Outdoors In An answer to the eternal question of whether to stay in or go out – how about both? Colossal accordion doors add a graphic punch when closed, then fold back to extend the footprint of this lush living room designed by Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos. Inside, a floor-to-ceiling plaster fireplace contemporizes a sea of cozy touches, from a chocolate velvet sofa to packed bookshelves to a pair of Graves Articulating Floor Lamps. Think Outside the Box Lean into strong and irregular features –that’s usually where the magic happens! Designed by Lucinda Loya Interiors, a tone-on-tone maximalism calms this living room’s dark beams and stacked windows, from the geometric rug, a textural wall treatment, and a towering artwork to a pair of bronze Phoebe Stacked Table Lamps and a Marais Large Chandelier overhead. Taken as a whole, it works … even the dogs agree. It All Comes Down to Composition In open-plan living rooms, decide what gets to be the star. In this masterfully composed space designed by Neal Beckstedt, plummy tones in the artwork determine the room’s palette, a Darlana Extra Large Lantern and low-slung furniture plays up the high ceilings, and restful white walls know better than to compete. Keep It Light The ultimate power move: confine the palette to one color and let shape and texture sing instead. In this cool and collected living space designed by Kristen Nix, creamy tones belie the sophisticated chic of a formal fireside seating arrangement, and planked walls offer a humble contrast to the glamor of lucite side tables and a pair of Brooks Table Lamps. Strike a Fine Balance Symmetry helps a seating plan find its footing and brings familiarity to modern spaces. In this living room designed by Pamela Harvey, a coved plank ceiling is grounded by a symphony of matched sofas, armchairs and artwork — and a perfectly situated pair of Swing Articulating Floor Lamps. Across every aesthetic, the living room is the perfect place to articulate your personal style and your home’s point of view. As always, we learn by looking – explore our living room gallery here. Lighting is a crucial element in designing a cozy and welcoming living room. It not only brightens up the area but also establishes the atmosphere and boosts the overall ambiance. To successfully light up your living room, multiple factors need consideration. A combination of various lighting types such as ambient, task, and accent lighting is crucial, each fulfilling a distinct role. Ambient lighting offers overall brightness, task lighting is focused on definite areas, and accent lighting emphasizes specific features or objects. Aspects like the kind of bulbs, arrangement of light fixtures, and utilization of dimmers are significant to effectively light a living room and to generate the desired mood and enhance the comprehensive aesthetic appeal. Lighting

From Lighting Design to Fine Art: Julie Neill’s Creative Journey An illuminating interview with the designer reveals the inspiring joy found in artistic expression. Renowned lighting designer Julie Neill has embarked on a remarkable creative journey that has taken her from the world of lighting design to fine art. In an exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring story and the immense joy she finds in expressing herself through art. Those who have met Julie know she is fond of starting conversations with a story. “Have you ever heard about the runner who trains with rocks in his shoes?” she asks. “The story goes that on the day of the race, the rocks came out, and he ran like the wind.” Just like the athlete who trained with the weight of the rocks, Julie had spent years honing her skills and perfecting her craft in bespoke lighting design. Her collection with The Home Magzine (a significant achievement) became a symbol of her perseverance and determination, a testament to the countless hours she had dedicated to her passion. Julie’s meticulous attention to detail and innate ability to blend form and function seamlessly are evident in every design. The collection showcases her ability to create lighting fixtures that illuminate a space and serve as works of art in their own right. Look at any piece in Julie Neill’s collection for The Home Magzine, and a few words leap to mind. Whimsy. Warmth. Personality. It’s no coincidence that Julie herself could be described along the same lines. Read along as she recounts her creative journey of artistic expression — insisting, in the grand tradition of all great storytellers, that there isn’t much to say. (We beg to differ.) After starting her career as an interior designer and decorative painter, she shifted gears to having a family. As she prepared to open a shop in her native New Orleans — mostly painted furniture inspired by 18th and 19th-century French and Italian pieces — she signed on to do a room at a decorator show house. The room needed a chandelier, and in a stroke of pure serendipity, she happened to walk past a flier advertising copper fountains, “the kind of thing you just see in New Orleans,” she says. She figured anyone who could make a fountain could make a chandelier, so she called the number on the ad and designed her first piece of lighting. Julie was captivated by the transformative power of light and its ability to enhance the ambiance of any space. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for craftsmanship, she quickly made a name for herself in the industry. “Making lighting ignited my soul,” she says. “It visited my life, and I let it in.” Enter The Home Magzine. The opportunity to partner with The Home Magzine meant new audiences, new horizons, and new creative opportunities after nearly two decades at the helm of her custom lighting business. Collaborating with The Home Magzine’s executive vice president, Charles Neal, Julie soon found her collection could be as beautiful as the pieces she produces in her namesake atelier. “I’m not a cerebral designer; I’m a maker, and Charles took the time to understand. He flew to New Orleans to see how I work, which is how he can replicate my process and finishes.” Julie’s lighting design background means she can speak to a junction box’s best size and location, for instance, but she says, “All I have to do is come up with an idea; for me, the visual comes first. Of course, the functional element of bringing light into a space is always there. Then it’s about how we can make that fabulous,” she says. “This partnership has made me the happiest person in the world. It has freed me to focus on the creative again.” So, what’s next for this curious creative? Julie intends to juggle her partnership with The Home Magzine while pursuing her lifelong ambition: exploring the world of fine art. As she dives deeper into her art, Julie realizes that her lighting designs and her fine art are not so different. Both require a keen eye for detail, an understanding of form and composition, and a passion for creating something beautiful. It was as if her years of designing lighting fixtures had prepared her for this moment. “Lighting design and studio art coexist in the same mental space for me,” she explains. “Since it originates from the same person, it’s the driving force behind all my creative endeavors.” Through her art, Julie is allowed to tap into a wellspring of inspiration and connect with her true self. Julie continues to push herself, experimenting with new techniques and pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Her creative process is a form of meditation, a way for her to tap into a different side of herself and, most importantly, embrace the chaos. A perfect anecdote that crystallizes this point beautifully: she was arranging a fine art commission, attaching folded paper leaves to a canvas, when her cat dashed across the table, disrupting her arrangement. Delighted, she adhered the leaves wherever they fell. “Here I was mapping out this order, and then life happened,” she says, “and made something more beautiful than I ever could have planned.” From that freedom comes a great possibility to create and express oneself – consider the origin story of her bestselling Talia series. “I wanted something beautiful, useful, abstract, and glowed from within.” She knew a glassblower who made her fluted glass ball, and she sat in her studio, cradling it carefully in one hand with a pencil in the other, asking it, “What do you want to become? And before you know it, I’ve got a new chandelier in my hands.” A chandelier that expanded into a “sculptural work of art that magnifies shimmering ripples of light through a cluster of intricately swirled orbs of hand-blown glass,” Julie describes. The success of the Talia series serves as a reminder of the significance of